Category Buyer III

Job description

Career Area

Procurement Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live.

Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

W hat You Will Do

Provides supply network solutions expertise, using QCLDM to deliver maximum value. Developing, managing and executing the category strategy managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs. Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment. Acting as the liaison between the organization and the supplier to communicate information explicitly, while considering production demands and suppliers' conditions.

Documenting the suppliers' performance on time sensitiveness and production; maintains a strong relationship with suppliers.

What Skills You Will Have

Data Analytics: Knowledge of techniques and processes for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modelling data; ability to discover useful information, draw logical conclusions, and support decision-making.

Effective Communications

Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviours.

Interpersonal Relationships

Knowledge of the techniques and the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.

Negotiating

Knowledge of successful negotiation concepts and techniques; ability to negotiate successfully across the organization and with external vendors and clients in a constructive and collaborative manner.

Contracts Management and Administration

Knowledge of policies, standards and processes of how to manage and administer contracts; ability to use proper processes and practices for managing and administering a variety of contractual agreements.

Purchasing Tasks and Activities

Knowledge of policies, regulations and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment and services.

Supplier Relationship Management

Knowledge of supplier relationship management concept and strategies; ability to address critical issues to meet supplier needs and maintain engaged, partnering relationship with suppliers.

Strategic Sourcing

Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyze, improve and re-evaluate organizational procurement process continuously.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or above in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field. Minimum 5 years of direct procurement/sourcing experience in a manufacturing environment. Proven experience in supplier development, cost reduction, contract negotiation, and commercial management. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data for decision-making. Demonstrated experience leading sourcing projects and managing cross-functional stakeholder relationships.

Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. SAP or other ERP/procurement system experience. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and Power BI. Fluent in English, both written and verbal.

Desired Qualifications

Candidates with heavy industry, automotive, construction equipment, or industrial manufacturing procurement experience are strongly preferred. Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, PMP, or APICS are preferred.

Additional Information

Domestic travel up to 20%, as business needs This position supports global sourcing initiatives and collaborates with regional procurement teams across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Flexibility to work across multiple time zones when supporting global projects. This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Posting Dates

September 11, 2026 - October 30, 2026 Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .